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Insulin resistance and oxidative stress in children born small and large for gestational age

Valentina Chiavaroli1, Cosimo Giannini, Ebe D'Adamo

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy.

Pediatrics
|August 5, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Birth weight and obesity are independent risk factors for degenerative diseases. Prepubertal children with low or high birth weight show increased oxidative stress and insulin resistance, which worsen with obesity.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Syndrome Research
  • Oxidative Stress Studies

Background:

  • Birth weight (BW) variations, including small-for-gestational-age (SGA) and large-for-gestational-age (LGA), are linked to metabolic disturbances.
  • Oxidative stress and insulin resistance (IR) are implicated in the development of chronic diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of BW and obesity on oxidative stress and IR in prepubertal children.
  • To compare SGA and LGA children with appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) children.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 103 prepubertal children.
  • Children were categorized into 6 groups based on BW (SGA, AGA, LGA) and weight status (normal-weight, obese).
  • Evaluated indexes of IR (HOMA-IR, G/I ratio) and oxidative stress marker (urinary isoprostanes).

Main Results:

  • Normal-weight SGA and LGA children exhibited higher Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA-IR) and isoprostane levels than normal-weight AGA children.
  • Obese SGA and LGA children showed significantly altered IR and oxidative stress markers compared to both normal-weight counterparts and obese AGA children.
  • Insulin sensitivity (G/I ratio) was reduced in all obese groups compared to normal-weight SGA and AGA children.

Conclusions:

  • Increased insulin resistance and oxidative stress are present in prepubertal normal-weight SGA and LGA children.
  • Obesity exacerbates these alterations, indicating BW and adiposity as independent risk factors for degenerative diseases.
  • Early identification and intervention in children with BW variations and obesity are crucial.
Abstract

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